11 Unexpected Way Weight Lifting Changed my Life
In May 2019 I was looking for the next thing that would engage me physically. I was starting to wane on Bikram yoga. I love it, but the time commitment felt hefty with always needing to shower, and, honestly, I was experiencing diminishing returns with energy levels — which is something I watch after overdoing it with CrossFit a few years back.
With fitness I've been many things in my past, most notably a near daily runner for 15 years. I've cycled, swam, stepped, spun, and done machines. None of them had a draw for me. They all felt inherently that they were fighting my nature. Which brought up an interesting question — what feels natural to me?
Building muscle has always been something that comes easy to my body, whether I'm trying to do it or not. I'm naturally quite strong, and love feeling strong. I don't fear having defined arms or powerful legs, which is good considering “thigh gap” has never been part of my body’s lexicon.
For the first time in my fitness life, I decided to pursue what felt natural and somewhat easy. This took a moment of intention — getting real about my schedule and my desired outcomes. As a woman in her late-40s, my goals are much more about creating sustained energy, deep sleep, and a holistic vital foundation for health. I want exercise to support me and my pursuits. To add rather than drain.
My ideal trainer or fitness guide thinks holistically. Someone who can handle not having weight goals and who’s willing to entertain my curious mind by answering questions and entering philosophical discussions about goals, intentions, health and balance.
I found that person in Eric Kenyon, a trained Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) coach. His expertise in sports science, athleticism and natural movement appeal to me. He understands motivational goal setting that supports life rather than stunts (for example, wanting to do 25 push-ups). He always wants the movements to support the goals, and the goals to support the life you want to live.
IN TRAINING WITH ERIC, HERE'S WHAT I LEARNED IN THE FIRST 5 MONTHS:
Show up with eager optimism. I don’t have to be raring to go, but I shouldn’t force myself either. Can I cultivate eagerness, hope, a speck of optimism? Bring that.
Honor natural rhythms (i.e., my low energy season may be a season to not pursue large goals).
Recovery is an art and needs to be learned in our current culture.
I do not need to work harder to get stronger (slow and steady — consistency is best, with lots of time for step #3).
Tune in to the nervous system — I may have natural physical strength, but I'm learning to work with my nervous system almost as much as my physical form. This eases anxiety and puts another tool in my bag to use when greeting challenges in other aspects of my life.
An increase in power has increased my confidence (way more than getting smaller, although that's fun too).
I have to be a Warrior for my health — no one else will be. And, what’s right for me may not be right for another. Let go of story and righteousness. At the same time, know that there are thousands of people like me with my lifestyle choices also being warriors for their health. I may not be surrounded by them, but they’re out there.
Circumstances are never perfect. You're never “ready.” Show up anyhow. A good coach helps you work around injuries, points you toward mood elevating exercises, and takes your mind off the resistance. Showing up despite challenges teaches resilience, bravery and a willingness to continue progress and release perfectionism.
Confidence and competitiveness have their place, especially for inspiring others. Don't shrink or compare yourself to someone else's journey. Be inspired. Ask if there's a move you see someone doing that you want to try. Show up and work. Compete with yourself. Honor struggles.
Strong is sexy. There are so many different types of femininity and ways to express it. I've been calling on other practices to tap into Shakti. Dance gives me balance and fluidity and keeps me from swaying into way too much of an independent place.
I love having an event in mind — it keeps me showing up even if motivation wanes. I remember this from running days. 3 to 6 events per year is perfect. I'm not out to set records. I'm out to show up as my best. Inspire and be inspired. See what's possible. This carries over to my professional and personal life as well. I'm planning trips and booking creative constraint deadlines that motivate me to show up, step up and keep moving forward. Small consistent steps lead the way to big leaps. It's all forward progress.
There are so, so many more lessons. The biggest challenge for me — a slight regret — is that I didn't set up a tracking system for seeing changes unfold. No “before” photos or measurements. Of course clothing sizes have changed and pounds lifted has been steadily rising. I can't remember exactly how my energy and sleep were back then. I know I've kicked coffee, but removing all caffeine hasn't been sustainable. I have all sugar out of my diet and generally feel less of a roller coaster, but there's still room for improvement. But am I moving the bar? Constantly expecting more? That's what I'm not quite sure of.
Choosing to work with personal strength adds to my wells of self-love, confidence and willpower. Knowing what I'm doing doesn't drain those helps me hold boundaries and keeps me exploring other brave steps I can take because I’m up to the challenge. I feel more resilient in the face of defeat and failure, able to see the big picture rather than getting sucked into trauma and depression. I feel so supported. More of that, please!! What a great foundation to shining my light and bringing my best self to the world.
Wherever you live, you can work with Eric Kenyon if you feel intrigued by his approach. He coaches in person in Grass Valley, California and via Zoom all over the world. Don’t take my word for it, schedule a free 30-minute session to decide for yourself. You know what’s right for you.
Photo by Angelos Michalopoulos on Unsplash